Ofsted's updated Early Years Inspection Handbook, which came into effect in September 2024, places significantly greater emphasis on paediatric first aid (PFA) provision in early years settings. Inspectors are now required to assess not only whether settings have the minimum required number of PFA-trained staff, but also whether the training is current, appropriate, and embedded in the setting's emergency response procedures.
The Legal Requirements
Under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework, all early years providers must ensure that at least one person who has a current paediatric first aid certificate is on the premises at all times when children are present. For childminders, the childminder themselves must hold a current PFA certificate.
PFA certificates are valid for three years, after which they must be renewed through a full PFA course rather than a refresher. The EYFS framework specifies that PFA training must be provided by a competent trainer and must cover the specific needs of infants and young children, including management of choking, anaphylaxis, febrile convulsions, and meningitis recognition.
What Ofsted Is Now Looking For
Under the updated inspection framework, Ofsted inspectors will assess whether: all required staff hold current PFA certificates; the setting has a clear procedure for responding to medical emergencies; staff are aware of individual children's medical needs and emergency protocols; and PFA training is refreshed before certificates expire rather than after.
Settings that cannot demonstrate adequate PFA provision risk receiving an "inadequate" judgement on the "leadership and management" aspect of their inspection, which can trigger more frequent monitoring inspections and, in serious cases, enforcement action.
Becoming a Paediatric First Aid Trainer
Early years settings that wish to develop in-house PFA training capability can do so through a Paediatric First Aid Trainer qualification. Abertay Training offers a nationally recognised Paediatric First Aid Trainer course that qualifies individuals to deliver PFA training within their organisation or as a freelance trainer.